Expert insights. Personalized for you.
Now that we’ve all dumped ice water on our heads and the ALS Association has raised over $116 million dollars, it’s time to talk about why the Ice Bucket Challenge really worked. MORE
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart. MORE
We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: [link] Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: [link] Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. Annual Reports Nonprofit Communications microcontent MORE
The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. The post Here’s why you should remove the word "bequest" from your vocabulary appeared first on MarketSmart | . Stop using it. MORE
Should it be this word or that word ? I still hear that some people are reluctant to use the words “nonprofit marketing” to describe what they do, instead preferring the word “nonprofit communications.” MORE
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/28681973@N00/15053486347/. OK, copywriters. Listen up. It’s year-end fundraising time. You’re probably planning to crank up your nonprofit’s email schedule with fundraising appeals in December. How many are you going to send? MORE
If crafted right, these eight words (or less) will complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. Magical, memorable and likely to be repeated, in just a few words! You have a priceless, DOABLE opportunity to position your organization, programs, services, campaigns, and events in audiences’ hearts, minds, schedules, and wallets: Relevant messages ! Your tagline is the heart of your message platform. MORE
The same applies for online fundraising campaigns, but nonprofits are less confident in their respective abilities to spread the word for those campaigns. The post 3 Ideas for Getting the Word Out to Your Donors About Online Fundraising Campaigns appeared first on JCSM. MORE
In preparation for the onslaught of company at my house this week, I’ve cleaned off my dining room table. It serves as a catch-all for the mail and other junk we bring in. In the stack of mail is a newsletter from my horse vet. He’s about 80-something years old and still makes farm calls. MORE
I see a few friends who are setting their intentions for the year by choosing 3 words from Seth Godin’s new guide “ What Matters Now.&# I thought I’d do the same. Instead of choosing 3 words for me, I thought I’d choose 3 things I want for you. Think about what this year might hold if you grabbed these 3 words and took them to heart. Will you take on these 3 words for your year? MORE
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart. MORE
Here are some of the most important takeaways from our Speed Consulting for Nonprofit Websites webinars, featuring Mark Rovner and Alia McKee SeaChange Strategies along with our own Katya Andresen. Don’t leave your common sense at the door ? ?. Don’t make them have to think (the most important rule!). Interaction with your organization's website should be easy and fulfilling. Visitors don't want to have to stop their search to figure out where to go. MORE
Can you condense your New Year’s Resolutions down to just three words? Why Three Words? Even though I have been a long-time fan of Chris Brogan, and I am an avid reader of Rob Hatch’s email musings, I have never created my own three words for a year. Word #2: Focus. MORE
The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. The post 3 Big Reasons You Should Remove the Word “Bequest” from Your Vocabulary appeared first on MarketSmart. Stop using it. MORE
Asking partners, friends and fans to spread the word may be the most effective, yet least expensive, marketing method there is. The Method: Make it easy for partners and bloggers in the nonprofit arena, plus YouTube influencers, to spread the word. MORE
So we began using the word “fixed,” but many still did not relate. Overpopulation” is certainly a word that I would not have expected to enter the common vernacular when “spay and neuter&# had not! We responded by creating a new advertisement that spread the word of St. MORE
Here are some of the most powerful words used frequently in advertising: finally. Here are some of the most powerful words used for persuasion: you. thank you (two words…). Want to see which words work for planned gift marketing? The post Can changing your words help you raise more money? suddenly. announcing. introducing. improved. amazing. sensational. remarkable. fantastic. revolutionary. startling. miracle. magic. offer. quick. wanted. challenge. MORE
Recently, Lake Superior State University published its 35th annual List of Banished Words for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. It included terms from 2009 such as friend (as a verb—thanks, Facebook); Tweet (good luck not using that one, nonprofiteers); and chillaxin’ (which I’m pretty sure isn’t a word to begin with, but yes, it’s tremendously annoying and disturbingly ubiquitous). And by the way, impactful isn’t a real word. MORE
Just a 4-word phrase, “Worth a Thousand Words”. But have you ever thought about telling your story without words? I came across a picture the other night on Facebook that I promptly shared. It had no explanation, no tag, no link, no credit, no nothing. MORE
The only famous last words that matter are your call to action. Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan aced it in his closing statement to last week’s debate: “The choice is clear, and the choice rests with you. And we ask you for your vote. Thank you.” MORE
Most of the time you read advice about words that are good to use in fundraising … like ‘you’ But here’s a fascinating article on seven words to avoid on your website conversion pages. Spam (such an evil word, it hurts results even to say you won’t do it!). We (a word referencing the messenger not the recipient, thus distracting. MORE
Thanks to Fast Company for highlighting this fantastic example of effective graphic communication. Take a look here to digest the entire poster , then move quickly to hide your bottle of water under your desk. More seriously, this is graphic communication at its finest. I learned (and retain) more about the detriment that bottled water production contributes to our world (and our health, in some cases) in five minutes here than I ever would have in digesting a few paragraphs of text. MORE
We’ll analyze this more in the coming weeks, but here’s what the word clouds look like. We asked a new question in our annual Nonprofit Communications Trends Survey this year about your most and least favorite projects. (We MORE
Twice now I’ve written about cause marketing campaigns that can be summed up in six-words. Both times I heard back from readers inspired to pen their own cause marketing summation in six-words. The six-word line is; “You Share. MORE
Do you see your organization in these words? What’s your organization’s personality in three words (either now, or what you aspire to)? MORE
Last week one of my blog posts told you make sure to stay away from the word “bequest” in your communications with donors. But I failed to tell you what word or words to use instead. MORE
I’ve been having some fun with word clouds and the one at the left is from this very blog. Like many such things, this word cloud hides as much as elucidates. It’s plain, for instance, that the word cloud generator only grabs posts from the top-most page of the blog. causemarketing.biz word cloudQuick post today from the left coast. Still, it has its own beauty. Cause-Related Marketing does a world of good. MORE
I love words. I’ve made most of my career out of educating and persuading people through words. And yes, with an occasional photo or graphic to back me up. But now there’s video … but not just video … online video. MORE
“Look,” I said, “Curse words are like lightning bolts. The post 3 reasons why I use curse words (but only one that matters) appeared first on MarketSmart, LLC |. She told me others would say I was unprofessional. MORE
A donor tour is possibly one of the most exciting parts of fundraising. Tours give you the opportunity to show off your organization and talk to your donors face to face. They provide you the chance to share all your organization’s wonderful stories and provide a context for the work that you do. MORE
“Consider” is a very powerful word for fundraising. So, I suggest you consider using the word “ consider ” more often. The post Consider using the word “consider” more often appeared first on MarketSmart |. Consider this. MORE
Here’s a quick tip for you today on using Microsoft Word to check how easy it is for your supporters to read your communications. Word has the ability to let you know your Flesch Reading Ease score and your Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. MORE
But I see so few orgs that ask supporters to spread the word on vital asks, and even fewer who make it easy (and far more likely) for them to do so. Film Festival which I’ve previously spread the word on— and current goal (to boost submissions by COB today ). MORE
But the English language is tricky, with many words sounding alike. Nancy Schwartz. You labor long and hard to get your marketing content right. We all do. That’s why it’s so dismaying when I see errors like these in campaigns and updates from organizations like yours. MORE
Volunteers who answered phones were instructed to use one of five words when thanking callers: caring, compassionate, helpful, friendly and kind. Indiana University professor Jen Shang conducted a test with public radio station WFIU during the station’s annual pledge drive. Communications Community Fundraising Nonprofit Public Media Research Study communication donors research MORE
It’s the end of the year. Dollars have been raised. Dollars have been spent. Objectives have been established. Objectives (hopefully) have been met. Now, it’s time to shot it from the mountaintops! MORE
Last year I worked with Dr. Russell James to present his findings in the ground-breaking webinar titled Words that Work (get the quick-read eBook here ). In it, he presented evidence that many of the words we use in the sector are actually off-putting to our supporters. MORE
This month I had terrific conversations with three movers and shakers in the nonprofit marketing world – and you can read the results. The interviews were posted in the Nonprofit Marketing 360 blog. This month’s offerings are: Howard Adam Levy – principal of Red Rooster Group, a nonprofit branding agency in New York City. Notable quote: “Social media is a step toward engaging younger people and bringing them into the nonprofits’ world.” MORE
It’s a great example of the power of words. A friend shared this very powerful video with me and I wanted to share it with you. . “Vision Is Seeing the Invisible.&# — Jonathan Swift. Thanks! Sandy. MORE
” In today’s guest post, Erica Mills of Claxon Marketing takes it to the next step by showing how specific words can actually debilitate your messaging. But finding the right words is hard. So you’ve got to make your words work. There’s always a better word. MORE
One important ingredient is your tagline — those vital eight words or less that complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. MORE
Last January's " Words for Nonprofits to Avoid in 2010 " turned out to be Big Duck's most popular blog post of 2010. It warms the cockles of my heart to know that you all value words so much. As I look again at last year's list, I'm also pleased to see that I stand by my advice with regard to the words system, infrastructure, capacity, impact , and catalyst. I'm not a totalitarian when it comes to words. Use the words you want to use. MORE
Try one of these tried-and-true words and phrases to get the open, click and completion! Sending a petition, pledge or other advocacy call to action to your email list? I’ve combed thousands of emails from top advocacy organizations to get these phrases that work…so you don’t have to! MORE
My team recently created a word search for our new interns. It includes a bunch of different words and phrases used in the sector and here at MarketSmart. Word List. WORDS OF WISDOM. WORDS THAT WORK. The post Have some fun with MarketSmart’s word search! MORE
Words Related Topics iMarketSmart
FEBRUARY 2, 2018
My team recently created a word search for our new interns. It includes a bunch of different words and phrases used in the sector and here at MarketSmart. Word List. WORDS OF WISDOM. WORDS THAT WORK. The post Have some fun with MarketSmart’s word search!
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Should it be this word or that word ? I still hear that some people are reluctant to use the words “nonprofit marketing” to describe what they do, instead preferring the word “nonprofit communications.”
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Getting Attention
MAY 16, 2013
But I see so few orgs that ask supporters to spread the word on vital asks, and even fewer who make it easy (and far more likely) for them to do so. Film Festival which I’ve previously spread the word on— and current goal (to boost submissions by COB today ).
iMarketSmart
JULY 15, 2016
Last year I worked with Dr. Russell James to present his findings in the ground-breaking webinar titled Words that Work (get the quick-read eBook here ). In it, he presented evidence that many of the words we use in the sector are actually off-putting to our supporters.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
DECEMBER 3, 2019
We’ll analyze this more in the coming weeks, but here’s what the word clouds look like. We asked a new question in our annual Nonprofit Communications Trends Survey this year about your most and least favorite projects. (We
J Campbell Social Marketing
FEBRUARY 1, 2017
Can you condense your New Year’s Resolutions down to just three words? Why Three Words? Even though I have been a long-time fan of Chris Brogan, and I am an avid reader of Rob Hatch’s email musings, I have never created my own three words for a year. Word #2: Focus.
Get Fully Funded
APRIL 11, 2011
It’s a great example of the power of words. A friend shared this very powerful video with me and I wanted to share it with you. . “Vision Is Seeing the Invisible.&# — Jonathan Swift. Thanks! Sandy.
iMarketSmart
JUNE 7, 2016
Here are some of the most powerful words used frequently in advertising: finally. Here are some of the most powerful words used for persuasion: you. thank you (two words…). Want to see which words work for planned gift marketing? The post Can changing your words help you raise more money? suddenly. announcing. introducing. improved. amazing. sensational. remarkable. fantastic. revolutionary. startling. miracle. magic. offer. quick. wanted. challenge.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Now that we’ve all dumped ice water on our heads and the ALS Association has raised over $116 million dollars, it’s time to talk about why the Ice Bucket Challenge really worked.
Getting Attention
SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
If crafted right, these eight words (or less) will complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment. Magical, memorable and likely to be repeated, in just a few words! You have a priceless, DOABLE opportunity to position your organization, programs, services, campaigns, and events in audiences’ hearts, minds, schedules, and wallets: Relevant messages ! Your tagline is the heart of your message platform.
iMarketSmart
APRIL 17, 2015
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart.
Cause Related Marketing
APRIL 25, 2012
I’ve been having some fun with word clouds and the one at the left is from this very blog. Like many such things, this word cloud hides as much as elucidates. It’s plain, for instance, that the word cloud generator only grabs posts from the top-most page of the blog. causemarketing.biz word cloudQuick post today from the left coast. Still, it has its own beauty. Cause-Related Marketing does a world of good.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MAY 6, 2011
Do you see your organization in these words? What’s your organization’s personality in three words (either now, or what you aspire to)?
iMarketSmart
FEBRUARY 9, 2015
Last week one of my blog posts told you make sure to stay away from the word “bequest” in your communications with donors. But I failed to tell you what word or words to use instead.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JULY 23, 2015
One important ingredient is your tagline — those vital eight words or less that complement your organization’s name to convey its unique impact or value with personality, passion, and commitment.
Cause Related Marketing
JUNE 27, 2012
Twice now I’ve written about cause marketing campaigns that can be summed up in six-words. Both times I heard back from readers inspired to pen their own cause marketing summation in six-words. The six-word line is; “You Share.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JUNE 25, 2015
But the English language is tricky, with many words sounding alike. Nancy Schwartz. You labor long and hard to get your marketing content right. We all do. That’s why it’s so dismaying when I see errors like these in campaigns and updates from organizations like yours.
iMarketSmart
JUNE 6, 2018
“Look,” I said, “Curse words are like lightning bolts. The post 3 reasons why I use curse words (but only one that matters) appeared first on MarketSmart, LLC |. She told me others would say I was unprofessional.
Getting Attention
OCTOBER 16, 2012
The only famous last words that matter are your call to action. Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan aced it in his closing statement to last week’s debate: “The choice is clear, and the choice rests with you. And we ask you for your vote. Thank you.”
A Small Change
JULY 8, 2015
It’s the end of the year. Dollars have been raised. Dollars have been spent. Objectives have been established. Objectives (hopefully) have been met. Now, it’s time to shot it from the mountaintops!
iMarketSmart
APRIL 17, 2015
Put the following words everywhere you possibly can: “Please consider making a gift to {your organization} in your will and financial plan.” The post Start Putting These Words Everywhere Right Now appeared first on MarketSmart.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
MARCH 10, 2016
Try one of these tried-and-true words and phrases to get the open, click and completion! Sending a petition, pledge or other advocacy call to action to your email list? I’ve combed thousands of emails from top advocacy organizations to get these phrases that work…so you don’t have to!
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
FEBRUARY 3, 2012
” In today’s guest post, Erica Mills of Claxon Marketing takes it to the next step by showing how specific words can actually debilitate your messaging. But finding the right words is hard. So you’ve got to make your words work. There’s always a better word.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
JUNE 27, 2014
Here’s a quick tip for you today on using Microsoft Word to check how easy it is for your supporters to read your communications. Word has the ability to let you know your Flesch Reading Ease score and your Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level.
Getting Attention
FEBRUARY 10, 2015
Asking partners, friends and fans to spread the word may be the most effective, yet least expensive, marketing method there is. The Method: Make it easy for partners and bloggers in the nonprofit arena, plus YouTube influencers, to spread the word.
The Agitator
APRIL 30, 2015
I love words. I’ve made most of my career out of educating and persuading people through words. And yes, with an occasional photo or graphic to back me up. But now there’s video … but not just video … online video.
A Small Change
MARCH 25, 2014
A donor tour is possibly one of the most exciting parts of fundraising. Tours give you the opportunity to show off your organization and talk to your donors face to face. They provide you the chance to share all your organization’s wonderful stories and provide a context for the work that you do.
iMarketSmart
MARCH 27, 2017
The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. The post Here’s why you should remove the word "bequest" from your vocabulary appeared first on MarketSmart | . Stop using it.
The Agitator
NOVEMBER 10, 2016
Most of the time you read advice about words that are good to use in fundraising … like ‘you’ But here’s a fascinating article on seven words to avoid on your website conversion pages. Spam (such an evil word, it hurts results even to say you won’t do it!). We (a word referencing the messenger not the recipient, thus distracting.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
OCTOBER 30, 2014
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/28681973@N00/15053486347/. OK, copywriters. Listen up. It’s year-end fundraising time. You’re probably planning to crank up your nonprofit’s email schedule with fundraising appeals in December. How many are you going to send?
Fundraising 123
JANUARY 20, 2012
Here are some of the most important takeaways from our Speed Consulting for Nonprofit Websites webinars, featuring Mark Rovner and Alia McKee SeaChange Strategies along with our own Katya Andresen. Don’t leave your common sense at the door ? ?. Don’t make them have to think (the most important rule!). Interaction with your organization's website should be easy and fulfilling. Visitors don't want to have to stop their search to figure out where to go.
Fundraising 123
JANUARY 19, 2011
Last January's " Words for Nonprofits to Avoid in 2010 " turned out to be Big Duck's most popular blog post of 2010. It warms the cockles of my heart to know that you all value words so much. As I look again at last year's list, I'm also pleased to see that I stand by my advice with regard to the words system, infrastructure, capacity, impact , and catalyst. I'm not a totalitarian when it comes to words. Use the words you want to use.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
APRIL 6, 2011
So we began using the word “fixed,” but many still did not relate. Overpopulation” is certainly a word that I would not have expected to enter the common vernacular when “spay and neuter&# had not! We responded by creating a new advertisement that spread the word of St.
Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog
FEBRUARY 4, 2013
We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: [link] Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. We've Moved! Update your Reader Now. This feed has moved to: [link] Update your reader now with this changed subscription address to get your latest updates from us. Annual Reports Nonprofit Communications microcontent
Non Profit Marketing 360
DECEMBER 24, 2011
This month I had terrific conversations with three movers and shakers in the nonprofit marketing world – and you can read the results. The interviews were posted in the Nonprofit Marketing 360 blog. This month’s offerings are: Howard Adam Levy – principal of Red Rooster Group, a nonprofit branding agency in New York City. Notable quote: “Social media is a step toward engaging younger people and bringing them into the nonprofits’ world.”
Get Fully Funded
JANUARY 4, 2010
I see a few friends who are setting their intentions for the year by choosing 3 words from Seth Godin’s new guide “ What Matters Now.&# I thought I’d do the same. Instead of choosing 3 words for me, I thought I’d choose 3 things I want for you. Think about what this year might hold if you grabbed these 3 words and took them to heart. Will you take on these 3 words for your year?
J Campbell Social Marketing
SEPTEMBER 17, 2015
The same applies for online fundraising campaigns, but nonprofits are less confident in their respective abilities to spread the word for those campaigns. The post 3 Ideas for Getting the Word Out to Your Donors About Online Fundraising Campaigns appeared first on JCSM.
Fundraising 123
FEBRUARY 3, 2010
Recently, Lake Superior State University published its 35th annual List of Banished Words for Mis-use, Over-use and General Uselessness. It included terms from 2009 such as friend (as a verb—thanks, Facebook); Tweet (good luck not using that one, nonprofiteers); and chillaxin’ (which I’m pretty sure isn’t a word to begin with, but yes, it’s tremendously annoying and disturbingly ubiquitous). And by the way, impactful isn’t a real word.
Non Profit Marketing 360
JUNE 3, 2012
Volunteers who answered phones were instructed to use one of five words when thanking callers: caring, compassionate, helpful, friendly and kind. Indiana University professor Jen Shang conducted a test with public radio station WFIU during the station’s annual pledge drive. Communications Community Fundraising Nonprofit Public Media Research Study communication donors research
Donor Power Blog
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
Just a 4-word phrase, “Worth a Thousand Words”. But have you ever thought about telling your story without words? I came across a picture the other night on Facebook that I promptly shared. It had no explanation, no tag, no link, no credit, no nothing.
Get Fully Funded
NOVEMBER 24, 2009
In preparation for the onslaught of company at my house this week, I’ve cleaned off my dining room table. It serves as a catch-all for the mail and other junk we bring in. In the stack of mail is a newsletter from my horse vet. He’s about 80-something years old and still makes farm calls.
iMarketSmart
FEBRUARY 6, 2015
The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. The post 3 Big Reasons You Should Remove the Word “Bequest” from Your Vocabulary appeared first on MarketSmart. Stop using it.
Getting Attention
DECEMBER 21, 2009
Thanks to Fast Company for highlighting this fantastic example of effective graphic communication. Take a look here to digest the entire poster , then move quickly to hide your bottle of water under your desk. More seriously, this is graphic communication at its finest. I learned (and retain) more about the detriment that bottled water production contributes to our world (and our health, in some cases) in five minutes here than I ever would have in digesting a few paragraphs of text.
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